KUALA LUMPUR: With elections fast approaching in Malaysia, the opposition hopes that it can capitalize on what is has called the “doublespeak” of the ruling government. And they are also looking to earn the housewives' vote in what is expected to be the closest vote in the country's history. Women leaders from the opposition said they are pledging some RM600 a year for housewives as part of a “Housewives' Savings Fund” that they believe will be instrumental in creating more opportunities for households in the country and, ultimately, woo female voters. They aren't stopping there and have also announced two other schemes including a RM1,000-a-year child care incentive for those aged 12 and below and the setting up of a maid agency to reduce dependence on foreign maids. Leaders of the three women's wings announced this at a joint press conference on Monday. PAS Muslimat deputy head Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud said this was their way to acknowledge the role and sacrifices made by women. “We will implement this should we take over the Federal Government,” she said. PKR Wanita deputy chairman Rodziah Ismail said the coalition was concerned about the many challenges faced by women today. “This offer is for all women to ensure their needs and welfare are taken care of,” she said. And women are responding. Salima Hassan, a 34-year-old housewife and mother of two, told Bikyanews.com that she is “looking” for an alternative to the status quo, and believes the opposition is offering the most for women in the country. “Women have long struggled and there are fears of the economy and safety so the government hasn't really earned our vote,” she said at a local meeting of families in a Kuala Lumpur suburb on Monday evening. “We women are hopeful for change and a better Malaysia. Change is needed in any country to create new opportunities and more voices in society so we are all going to vote for the opposition,” she added. Public opinion polls currently give the ruling coalition the advantage, but with a few weeks to go before Malaysians head to the ballot box, the opposition hopes it can garner enough votes to unseat the government for the first time since Malaysia was granted independence from Great Britain little more than a half-century ago. BN
